HOUSTON — A Harris County Precinct 4 corporal was shot to death Tuesday afternoon in southwest Houston while driving to work, according to officials.
It happened at the intersection of Fondren Road and Richmond Avenue near the Westpark Tollway around 12:30 p.m.
Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz said a man got out of his car and fired multiple gunshots into the vehicle of Corporal Maher Husseini.
Husseini was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital but he didn't survive.
After a citywide manhunt, Chief Diaz said the suspect's vehicle was spotted at a nearby hotel. The man jumped into his car and took off, leading officers on a chase that ended up in Galveston.
That's where the suspect lost control and drove into the water near the causeway at Channelview Drive and 81st Street. He got out of his vehicle and was captured in the water by officers in a police boat.
Police said a K9 secured him and bit him when he resisted arrest in the boat.
He's in the hospital and once treatment is complete, he'll be transferred to the Galveston County Jail where he will be held without bond for evading arrest, according to the Galveston County District Attorney.
Once processed, the suspect will be transferred to the Harris County Jail where he's expected to face charges in Husseini's death.
"I want to thank the sheriff's office here, the Galveston Police Department, for the exceptional work," Chief Diaz said. "It's a sad day. We're just glad that, that we put an end to it now and hopefully, bring some closure to the family."
Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said he had just promoted Husseini to corporal last week. He'd been with Precinct 4 since 2021 and patrolled the South-Central District.
Husseini's wife was out of town and deputies went to Bush Airport Tuesday to meet her and deliver the news. The couple has two sons, ages 12 and 15, according to Husseini's brother.
"My main goal is to support our fallen deputy and his family," Herman said.
“There’s too many of these, we’re seeing too many of these,” Herman said. “There’s total chaos in our communities and we’ve got to get it fixed.”
Dozens of law enforcement officers lined the streets near Ben Taub late Tuesday afternoon to salute the fallen corporal and escort his body to the medical examiner's office.
If you have any information about the shooting, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS(8477) or HPD's Homicide Divison at 713 308-3600.
Local and state leaders share messages of support
After the death of Corporal Husseini, local and state leaders shared statements.
Gov. Greg Abbott
"The hearts of Texans are breaking today with the news that Harris County Deputy Constable Maher Husseini was shot and killed while on his way to work. The dangerous criminal who ambushed and murdered Deputy Constable Husseini will have the full weight of the law brought down upon him. Texas is a law and order state, and I will always defend the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect Texans. Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in lifting up in prayer the family and loved ones of Deputy Constable Husseini."
Harris Co. Judge Lina Hidalgo
"I am devastated by the loss of Harris County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable Maher Husseini, who was brutally shot and killed today while driving into work. Thank you to all of our law enforcement partners, including the Houston Police Department, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and Precinct 4, for working together to successfully bring the suspect into custody. I am so sorry for Deputy Constable Husseini’s family, his loved ones and his colleagues, who lost yet another member of their law enforcement family today.”
Houston Mayor John Whitmire
“The city of Houston extends its condolences to the family of Precinct 4 Deputy Constable Maher Husseini. The deadly shooting was a senseless and cruel act against an individual who happens to be a member of law enforcement. Deputy Husseini was on his way to work at the time that he was shot and killed. He represented the best in law enforcement and selflessly dedicated years of his life to protecting and serving the public. I have complete confidence in Houston Police Department Chief Noe Diaz, Harris County Sheriff's Office and Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 as they work to identify and arrest the shooter. We ask anyone with information to please call HPD Homicide or @CrimeStopHOU. It is in everyone's best interest that we work together to make our community a safe place to live.”
Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey
"Today, we mourn the loss of yet another brave officer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Constable Maher Husseini, his family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in blue. May he rest in peace, and swift justice be served for those responsible."